ARTICLE 169 STATEMENT FROM VAHHS

VAHHS Releases Statement Highlighting Flawed Data Underpinning Act 167 Oliver Wyman Report

The Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS) CEO, Michael Del Trecco released a statement today calling for the Green Mountain Care Board (GMCB) to repair the damage done by the Act 167 Oliver Wyman Report, which VAHHS states is underpinned by false and inaccurate data pulled from claims data instead of actual discharge data provided by hospitals.

The statement summarizes that a review of the final Oliver Wyman report released in September reveals significant errors and inaccuracies in the data used to justify sweeping recommendations about Vermont’s health care system. In addition to already reported errors at North Country Hospital, since acknowledged by the consultant, and Gifford Health Care, VAHHS states that flawed data impacts virtually every hospital. This includes inaccurate numbers of emergency department visits and inpatient visits on average off by as much as 33 and 41 percent respectively. Additionally, research used to justify the consolidation or closure of hospital obstetrics services has been refuted with the researcher herself concluding that rural hospitals need additional support, not less. An initial review of the major errors is expressed in the full VAHHS statement.

Shortly after the release of the VAHHS statement, GMCB Chair Owen Foster released the following statement:

The Oliver Wyman report does not mandate any changes at any Vermont hospital. Rather, it provides a projection of Vermont’s financial headwinds and provides options for local communities and hospital leaders to consider.  Vermont has gaps in care to essential services, including long term care and home health and hospice, mental health care, and primary care, that the Oliver Wyman report identifies and provides options for addressing.  While some of the options are significant, it is important to note that Vermont faces unique challenges due to our demographic trends and we have an opportunity to build an affordable and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of our aging population.

VMS leadership will be meeting with AHS Health Reform staff this week to discuss the recommendations in the report.  Members are also encouraged to continue to submit comments to the GMCB here and VMS will share information about a rescheduled GMCB-AHS-legislative public meeting regarding the report.  A recent story in Vermont Public discussing what steps the legislature can take to address health care access and affordability  quotes VMS regarding supporting successful programs like the Blueprint for Health Patient Centered Medical Homes.  Follow additional news coverage related to the report here.